"Belmar has come a long way since Superstorm Sandy — so we invite visitors to come back and enjoy our broad sandy beaches, restaurants and marina that make the town the perfect summer destination," says Mayor Matthew Doherty. "The festival's winning combination of seafood, entertainment, crafts, vendors and family fun is the solid foundation upon which we've been able to continue adding new and exciting features each year."

More than 175,000 fish aficionados are expected to turnout this weekend for the annual tradition in Belmar's Silver Lake Park. Warm ocean breezes, live entertainment, kids' activities and unique crafts add to the gustatory experience of a myriad of tastes and treatments of the area's freshest seafood.

View full sizeLobster rules at the New Jersey Seafood Festival.Belmar Tourism

"Monmouth County is proud of Belmar's rapid recovery and proud to be a partner in the Seafood Festival once again," said Thomas A. Arnone, director of Monmouth's Board of Chosen Freeholders. "Recognizing that tourism is a $2.1 billion industry in Monmouth County, the freeholders are ramping up the county's efforts to help the local businesses and communities in their recovery from Superstorm Sandy."

ON THE MENU Admission is free and visitors can purchase catch-of-the day cuisine from 45 of the area's prime restaurants and food vendors, serving everything from traditional steamed lobster, shrimp, crab cakes and fried clams to the more exotic conch fritters, sushi, fish tacos and seafood quesadillas.

Forty North Oyster Farms, the state's only coastal (non-estuary) oyster farmer and recipient of Edible Jersey Magazine's 2013 Local Hero Farmer award, will be on hand with their delectable raw bar.

LIVE MUSIC The weekend fest — twice named one of the Top 100 Events in America by the American Bus Association — kicks off at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 7, with live entertainment by the Blue Sky Duo; the Danny White Band follows from 6-8 p.m.

Bring your dancing shoes: Saturday's live music features Red Wagon starting at 11:30 a.m., D'Jais' house band and Shore favorite Holme take the stage at 2 p.m., and The Shore Blues Band wrap up the day's performances starting at 5 p.m.

The Manasquan High School Jazz Band kicks off Sunday's soundtrack at 11:30 a.m., followed by Blackberry Blues Band at 2 p.m. and Slim Chance & The Gamblers at 4 p.m.

Plus: Visitors can find the latest techie gadgets at Verizon Wireless Store on Wheels, cool off with a refreshing mug of Wild Bill's Olde Fashioned Soda, or sample the latest offerings from Dunkin' Donuts.

The 21-and-over crowd can enjoy a glass of Martin Codax Albarino, Las Rocas Garnacha or Red Blend in the Festival Wine Garden or a cold Leinenkugel Honey Weiss or Summer Shandy in the Beer Tent adjacent to the lake and Gazebo.

Find a wealth of information and giveaways from other festival sponsors, including the Monmouth County Association of Realtors, Cooper Electric Supply, New Jersey Lottery, and home improvement companies.

TRAFFIC & PARKING Fest organizers encourage Staten Islanders not to let traffic stand in their way of a good time: Take public transportation (visit NJTransit.com for schedules and information) and your ticket entitles you to discount beach passes.

Drivers — Belmar is less than 40 miles from the Outerbridge Crossing — can take advantage of free parking just south of the New Jersey Transit Station at the Belmar Marina, 10th Avenue and Route 35, or Dempsey Park on 16th Avenue. Free shuttles will run through all three lots continuously until 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

"Belmar shines during the festival," said says Mary Brabazon, Belmar's Director of Tourism and organizer of the event. "Visitors frequently return to enjoy the broad sandy beach, restaurants and marina that make the town the perfect summer destination."